2012 Software Guide

When it comes to managing your salon, technology is your most valuable business partner. This 2012 Technology Guide introduces you the business management software players in the professional beauty industry, as well as a number of other companies that help you navigate today’s latest technologies to better your salon business.

Demandforce >>

Newest product: In addition to Google, Facebook, Citysearch and Mapquest, all Demandforce reviews are now syndicated to Bing, Judy’s Book, YP.com. From these sites, clients can request an appointment right from the page and it is tracked in your Demandforce software

Platform: Demandforce is a SaaS based solution that syncs with the existing management software

Korvue >>

Newest product: Custom Mobile Applications for staff or clients. Korvue supports custom mobile applications designed for mobile platforms such as the iPhone/iPod, iPad and Android with new mobile framework.

Key features: This framework allows salons to interact with staff and clients without limits of one-size-fits all software.

Linkup Marketing >>

Key features: Linkup marketing is a full service marketing agency for the salon and spa industry. It is specialized in social media applications, websites, mobile applications and custom digital solutions for beauty businesses worldwide.

MIKAL Salon & Spa Software >>

Newest product: Award-winning Tablet app. It is a queue crusher for the salon/spa that allows client check in, appointment bookings, client info updates and other functions that relieve the time and reduce the lines at the front desk for check in and check out.

Platform: Any Windows version XP or higher and Windows server versions; tablet app can run on Windows, Android, and I-Pad

Millennium Salon Software>>

Newest product: Some products/services include: Advanced appointment book, POS – allows for credit card processing, gift card functionalities and more, automated marketing capabilities with e-mail and text message features (Millennium will email/ text clients their appt. times & confirmations), inventory management, business management features to help the business grow and increase revenue, online booking – clients will be able to buy gift cards and book appointments online, multi-location and franchise management, smartphone features – clients will be able to have reports and security alerts sent right to smartphone, integration with demand force, integration with constant contact, integrated PCI Compliant Credit Card Processing Solution.

Platform: PC and MAC

What makes this product different: Over 75 employees share a mission and vision to take care of every client with compassion and a proactive approach to give them everything they need to not only get through the day, but to succeed. Another thing people can’t replicate is our long history and the fact that many of the business statistics and innovation you see in software today came from Millennium. A points/rewards system that encourages clients to try new services, pre-book, and create behaviors that lead to growth, was invented at Millennium. The first online booking engine in the beauty industry started at Millennium. The primary difference is we continue to surge forward and focus on our clients’ needs. A reputation isn’t built in a day but after 25 years the difference has become the people at Millennium who are innovating and serving our clients in a way that nobody else is.

Key features: Central management functions allow to standardize operating procedures; key performance measurement tools help you grow staff and business; recommend retail and re-book easily on iPad app; never miss an opportunity to reserve appointments with Mobile Booking; keeping doors open 24/7 with online booking; customize own reports with report center; instant access - from anywhere and on various devices; flexibility –it is designed to grow with you so it is a great tool for a salon of any size; user friendly interface makes training simple and intuitive ; simple set up for single and multi locations

Key features: Salon Iris software is designed to help save businesses time and money, and increase profitability through built-in appointment scheduling, full point of sale, client tracking and history, inventory control and ordering, e-mail and text message marketing, employee and payroll management, online booking, over 200 detailed business performance reports, database backups, remote access, and more. Salon Iris software remote access works through any laptop, computer, phone, or mobile device with Internet access, and free apps are available for Android devices, iPhone, iPad, Kindle Fire, Nook Tablet and Color, and the BlackBerry PlayBook

SalonMSSNGR >>

Newest product: SalonMSSNGR is a new web-based system that allows salons to send and receive text messages directly with their client's mobile phones from the salon's computer. SalonMSSNGR™ makes salons “text-friendly” in order to confirm appointments or notify one another if one is running late, without tying up phone lines or relying on e-mail.

Platform: SalonMSSNGR is a Chrome browser-based texting system hosted on the front-desk computer. It works on both PCs and Macs alongside your desktop applications.

Salonware Software >>

Newest product: Salonware version 18.0 with many new features including multi-location capabilities

Platform: PC and Mac

Key features: From the new automated marketing module (with text messaging and voice confirmations) to a new credit card module allowing pre-authorized payments. The new version allows for multi-locations salons and spas.

Shortcuts Software >>

Newest product: The SOLAR system is a suite of online tools that combines with the Shortcuts POS software to provide the perfect mix of installed and cloud-based features. Shortcuts connects to clients through online booking, automated emails, controlled surveys and reviews. SOLAR also provides owners with anywhere, any device access to a performance dashboard, which delivers key metrics benchmarked against the industry.

Platform: Shortcuts POS can be installed on any windows based PC and can run on Mac, with SOLAR being accessible through any browser on any platform and device.

Verasoft >>

Key features: PrimeIX allows total custom software design for large companies. It integrates seamlessly with capable legacy systems, website and vendors. PrimeIX technology can incorporate human resources, call centre, lead generation, advanced scheduling (both online and onsite), full CRM and project management, department dashboards, warehousing and pipeline management. PrimeIX is a full end-to-end system that brings all departments and subsidiaries on one platform.

Virtual Cloud Software>>

Newest product: AIM (all in-one marketing) text, email, voice messaging, instant messaging, social media integrated with sales and appointment history for relevant campaigns. Virtual concierge service person uses AIM to implement and maintain marketing plans such as confirmations, new clients, birthdays, and lost clients so the salon and spa doesn’t have to. VC can set up any combination campaign from virtual history for a one time or recurring campaign.

Platform: The Amazon ec2 plug and play Cloud

Key features: Virtual Cloud Software is a Robust All In One software running on the Amazon ec2 Cloud with one point of contact for server and software support 24/7, SaaS (software as a service) on PaaS (platform as a service), Virtual Recommend Retailing software increases today’s sales ticket using mobile devices in a touch screen paperless environment and measures, virtual AIM (all in one marketing) increases tomorrow’s sales ticket.using text, e-mail, voice, instant messaging and social media for relevant campaigns, Integrated POS, CRM inventory and appointment scheduling, virtual wizard sets up business applications according to salon/spa’s interactive. Questionnaire on the Cloud, online appointment scheduling, customizable loyalty points and membership, client focus through the virtual client dashboard, comprehensive analytics.

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